The Fresno Falcons played their first game for the first time in 17 years at Selland Arena.
ANTHONY GALAVIZ
agalaviz@fresnobee.com
Jose Gonzalez had never attended a Fresno Falcons game when the team last played in Fresno 17 years ago.
This time, the Sanger native decided it was time, especially with the Falcons finally returning to downtown Fresno.
“I’ve always wanted to see hockey in person,” Gonzalez said. “I’m a big fan. I’ve watched a lot of it online. I’m a Red Wings fan. I’ve always wanted to go see the Fresno Monsters.”
Fans came in droves, packing Selland Arena for the Falcons’ return. In the rafters hung retired Falcons jerseys and banners commemorating the team’s championship titles.
Bryan Flores, the Falcons’ play-by-play announcer, admitted that seeing the banners, center ice and the crowd gave him chills.
For many returning fans, it felt like old times.
Samantha Ramirez of Fresno said she attended Falcons games as a child, going with her parents to cheer on the team.
“It was super fun,” she said.
Her decision to attend Friday night’s game against Oceanside came at the last minute.
“I feel like it’s a piece of nostalgia,” Ramirez said. “It’s like living like childhood memories.”
Then there was Tony Flores, who recently moved to Fresno from the Bay Area, where he rooted for the San Jose Sharks.
He had never attended a Falcons game, but when he learned the team was back, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to watch in person.
“If you want something to inspire you of being a resident … the love of Fresno, the Valley, you found it right here in the Selland Arena with the Fresno Falcons,” Flores said.
“It don’t get any better.”
Liz Marmolejo, who attended many Falcons games during the team’s previous run, also returned to welcome the team back alongside fans who had waited years for its return.
For her, the moment was long overdue.
“We pretty much went to a little over half of their games,” she said. “I want to call icing, but I don’t know what that means.”
Marmolejo may have some hockey rules to learn, but she’ll have time. The Falcons are back at Selland Arena, where they are set to play for years to come.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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